POLICE in Nantwich are urging shoppers to be vigilant when punching their pin number into a chip and pin device following a spate of distraction thefts.

Officers have noticed a rise in incidents taking place on supermarket car parks in the town.

Thieves are watching shoppers key in their pins at the tills then following them to their cars and distracting them.

Victims later find their cards have been stolen.

The latest incident was on Wednesday, March 14. The elderly victim had been shopping in the supermarket and had got to her car when she was stopped by a woman who insisted she give her directions.

She left her bag in her unlocked car while she gave directions, and when she got home, she discovered her card had gone and later noticed money had been taken from her account.

PC Chris Wynn-Jones said: “As in all the incidents someone will have been watching over the woman’s shoulder as she typed in her pin number at the till.

“Then a second offender will have been rooting through the handbag to get her card while the first offender distracted her with requests for directions.”

To make life difficult for these distraction thieves, shoppers are urged to check no-one is watching when they punch their pin into the chip and pin device and always attempt to conceal the number.

PC Wynn-Jones added: “Also be aware in the car park. Ensure your bag is secure and keep it with you at all times. Don’t leave it on the car seat or in the trolley while you load your shopping into the boot.

“Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously in a supermarket and its car park should contact police on 101.

“While we make every effort to hunt down the offenders and bring them to justice, we would urge people to be vigilant.”